Metroparks commissioners delay approval of luxury townhome project

This rendering of the River South Modern Ecohomes development shows its appearance when viewed from Lorain Road in Fairview Park.

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- Andrew Brickman of Abode Modern Lifestyle Developers has experienced another bump in the road that leads to building his River South Modern Ecohomes project. The luxury complex is designed to overlook the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation near Fairview Park’s eastern border.

At the Dec. 19 Metroparks Board of Commissioners meeting, members voted to table discussions until further site investigation can be completed. Brickman’s plan is to construct 36 townhomes within eight buildings, ranging in price from $229,000 to $500,000. The project began as condos more than a year ago, evolved instead to an office building that would have required a zoning change (which was eventually pulled from the ballot just before election deadlines) and then reverted to condos.

“Our site plan changed a little bit, so we presented the new plan to the Metroparks staff,” Brickman said by phone Dec. 21. “They reviewed it, and we then made modifications based on their comments. They were extremely helpful in guiding us through the process.”

Metroparks staff members, he added, had recommended approval to the board of commissioners.

“One of the (board) members, who previously had not brought it up, decided it was a good time to bring up the concern he has about erosion,” explained Brickman, who did not identify the member but who has since been identified as Commissioner Bruce Rinker. “This concern was expressed, and we intend to address it with the staff of the Metroparks prior to the next board meeting on Jan. 9.”

At issue, Brickman added, is “an encroachment on the easement area … by about a couple of hundred square feet.” The actual infringement to the easement area, according to the Metroparks, is an additional 447 square feet from what the Metroparks board approved in Brickman’s original November 2012 site plan.

“The Board has unresolved concerns related to slope stability issues and variances from the rear set-back requirements,” Yachanin said. “The Board would like Cleveland Metroparks staff to further discuss potential slippage issues related to the project with the city of Fairview Park and Abode.”

No timeline was given for resolution of the issue, but the Metroparks indicated it “takes requests to modify its easements and deed restrictions seriously, and all such requests are reviewed very thoroughly.”

Since Brickman modified the previously approved November 2012 site plan, he was required to return before the park board. If eventually approved by Metroparks commissioners, the townhomes will sit near the edge of a steep embankment that provides scenic views across the park valley. A funeral home formerly occupied the property.

“It’s my hope and my belief … the board will ratify the resolution because in the words of the Metroparks staff, (the encroachment to the easement) is a negligible change,” Brickman said.

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